Externally accredited Level 3 BTEC course

New course externally accredited Level 3 BTEC course open to external colleagues in community 

A NEW customised qualification has been launched by Specsavers – with spaces available for colleagues in its community practices across the UK.

The externally accredited Level 3 BTEC course (Specsavers Cert 3) has been designed to provide a more relevant offering that supports the professional development of colleagues to benefit patients and their careers as well as support future business growth.

‘This new course structure allows you to “Build your own BTEC” by selecting the job role most applicable to you. Like the previous Cert 3, it will continue to be a blended learning, flexible format and deliver the same industry-leading development that Cert 3 is known for,’ says Grant Duncan, Specsavers Director of Professional Development.

‘We passionately believe in supporting our colleagues in their professional development because of the benefits for them and in terms of patient care. We are making spaces available on the new course for optical colleagues in our community practices across the UK.’

Hundreds of Specsavers colleagues have already accessed the course information, adds Mr Duncan, with sign-ups for role specific courses designed for optical dispensers, clinical technicians, contact lens assistance and lab technicians.

There are no formal entry requirements for the Specsavers Cert 3 course, but students must have optical experience and completed recommended retail learning for optical assistants. Students on average will complete the course within six to nine months but do have up to two years to complete a series of workplace activities and online assessments.

‘Specsavers is also preparing an equivalent qualification for the Republic of Ireland and colleagues in other countries, which should be available soon. We are also looking to create a more bespoke version for our Home Visits domiciliary colleagues,’ adds Mr Duncan.